Adelsheim Vineyard 2011 Auxerrois - Review

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Our Selection for Wine of the Week October 1, 2012

Adelsheim Vineyard 2011 AuxerroisWillamette Valley, OR

David and Ginny Adelsheim established their namesake winery in 1971 in the northern Willamette Valley. At the time, the region was considered yet unproven as a viticultural area. But despite skepticism, the winery's reputation (and sales) grew. In fact, by 1982, it had outgrown its original production facility. Although the winery has steadily grown in both production and popularity, it remains a boutique operation using traditional handcrafting methods. Currently Adelsheim produces Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Auxerrois, several Pinot Noirs and a rosé. The 2011 Auxerrois offers attractive herbal and white flower aromas. Its thirst-quenching Meyer lemon acidity makes it an excellent palate cleanser. Its flavors include a delicate note of stone fruit mixed with juicy pear and the kind of prominent minerality more common in European than American whites. A lovely, fresh and nicely balanced wine, it is the sort of bottling that can work any time of day or for any occasion. It would work well either as an aperitif or with most shellfish or white fish dishes. Accentuate its herbal character with a pesto pasta or tarragon chicken salad. Or serve it with a brunch of scrambled eggs, lemon ricotta pancakes and seasonal vegetables sautéed with herbes de Provence.